DONOR DIGEST

NEWS Philanthropist of the Year FEATURES Donor Testimonials Offer a Guide to Giving CLASSIFIEDS Recurring Gifts

AND THE AWARD GOES TO... Foulks Honored as Philanthropists of the Year

In recognition of their philanthropic spirit and commitment to Christian education, Bruce and Judy Foulk were given this academic year’s J. Robert and Mary Utley Philanthropist of the Year award.

The Foulks have supported the institution since 1960 through various means, including a personal and a company-funded endowed scholarship; capital campaign gifts (rooms in the Ham Library and Garth Pleasant Arena honor their generosity); and sponsorship of the university’s annual Partnership Dinner. Additionally, the Foulks give of their time—Bruce was a member of RU’s Board of Trustees from 2004-2015, and Judy is a lifetime member of the Associates.

The Foulks said, “We believe Rochester University’s student-centered, Christian-principled education experience, as demonstrated by faculty and staff, combined with the smaller enrollment, is a significant benefit to those searching for a personalized alternative to big-box universities.”

IF YOUR GOAL IS TO:

Memorialize Or Honor Someone

Kelly Garrett enrolled at Rochester University in 2003 after hearing about RU’s accelerated learning program from an employee. Shortly after doing so, her position was eliminated from the company she had worked at for more than a decade. However, she no longer worried about being unqualified because she lacked a degree, and Kelly says her degree has continued to give her options as her career has progressed throughout the years.

Fast forward to 2021, and Kelly’s son, Chandler, was preparing to begin college. His options seemed limited due to his lifelong illness, sickle cell anemia. Chandler decided he would attend a community college, but Kelly knew the large class sizes would be bigger than what he was used to and might be challenging.

Just as her employee had done nearly 20 years prior, Kelly told Chandler about her RU experience. She encouraged him to live on campus and enjoy his freedom, while also receiving more focused attention and not being too far from home. He applied, was accepted and eagerly awaited move-in weekend.

Chandler was a student at RU for just over a month before he passed away on Oct. 8, 2021. Kelly and other family members planned to start a foundation for sickle cell anemia in his honor. Their plans shifted to honoring Chandler through an endowed scholarship after attending a memorial service put on by the RU community.

“I was completely floored. The kind words, friendships and impact I felt my son made in such a short time changed my mind about where his memorial funds should go. RU took care of my son, and I wanted to show my appreciation for that,” said Kelly.

THEN YOU CAN: support RU's mission and students by establishing an endowed scholarship tailored to your award specifications

AND YOUR BENEFITS ARE: advancing someone's legacy while receiving a current tax deduction.

Endowments can be made through cash or planned giving methods (ex. gift of stock or IRA rollover) offering additional financial benefits.

IF YOUR GOAL IS TO:

AVOID TWO-FOLD TAXATION on IRA or other employee benefit plans

Doug and Sheila Selke came to know Rochester University and its mission as a young married couple who attended a Partnership Dinner in the late ’70s. In the decades since, the Selkes have been advocates for and financial contributors to RU .

“We immediately recognized the important value and impact the school was providing to so many young people…building a foundation of faith for what God’s design is for each student as they pursue a higher education.”

Now retired, the Selkes make donations from IRA investments through a Qualified Charitable Donation. This provision in the IRS tax code allows individual donors to contribute up to $100K a year to eligible organizations.

A QCD is an excellent way for people to share financial blessings with the university, while simultaneously benefitting from current IRS rules that designate QCD donations are not to be included in reported taxable income for the year.

“We encourage others, for whom this approach may be appropriate, to do the same. We thank God for our blessings and the Kingdom mission work of Rochester University,” said Doug.

THEN YOU CAN: name RU as the beneficiary of the assets after your lifetime

AND YOUR BENEFITS ARE: the ability to leave your family other assets that carry tax liability.

IF YOUR GOAL IS TO:

DEFER A GIFT while using your assets during

your life

Brenda Phillips’ time at Michigan Christian College tremendously impacted her life.

“The interactions I had with faculty and staff and the friendships I made with students were very special and helped me grow and mature emotionally and spiritually. Many of those relationships have lasted more than 40 years,” said Brenda.

Brenda is unable to make significant monetary contributions during her lifetime, but her goal of financially supporting RU will be realized because she has included the university in her estate plan. “I want RU to continue providing quality education in a Christian environment to future generations. I love knowing I can continue to support and positively impact the university even after I’m gone.”

THEN YOU CAN:

Make a bequest in your will or revocable trust

AND YOUR BENEFITS ARE:

Donations that are fully exempt from federal estate tax and preserving your assets at present.